2014 Reading Challenge

2014 Reading Challenge
Michael has read 1 book toward his goal of 50 books.
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Monday, February 28, 2011

Monday's Novel Talk (29)

It is actually Monday this time! I was waiting to read a bit more before posting this up but with a bit of complication that just happened that started with someone hacking someone's profile on Facebook and putting up a worrisome message, I've been getting distractions left and right and have not read much in these few hours.

But anyway, I'm currently reading Crescendo by Becca Fitzpatrick. It's the sequel to her first novel Hush, Hush. It's kind of crazy because I read Hush, Hush as an ARC before it came out. And no one knew how big it was going to get. So I read it and now everyone loves it and I'm just like whoa! That's crazy!

So I'm reading the second novel, I'm on page 274 out of 427 so it's not that much until I finish it. So far I love it! I was actually expecting it to be different than what it is. I mean when it said Patch leaves I thought he left Edward style. But I love how Becca Fitzpatrick made him just leave the relationship with Nora and not her life completely.

There are scenes with Nora that seriously make me get creeped out and scared, especially since I'm reading at night in dead silence with just a book light. I love the feeling! I can't wait to find out why Patch is always with Marcie (who I see played by Mini from Skins Season 5) and who the mysterious person Nora thinks is her father. And what's up with Scott and it's just all so =O And I can't wait to find out more. I'm getting so excited talking about it that I just want to read it now.

I really enjoy Becca Fitzpatrick's writing style also, it's very smooth and flows well together. And this is where I stop typing and pick up this book and try to finish it! See you all later! -reads-

Cover Reveal: Vanish by Sophie Jordan

Hey guys! So this cover has been out for a few days now but I just forgot to post it up. It's the second book following Firelight by Sophie Jordan. It's called Vanish and the cover looks AMAZING!

I love how the two covers are so different in tones and colors, yet they match perfectly together. I would give a synopsis of the novel, but I have yet to pick up Firelight from my pile (which I might read next) so I don't want to spoil myself. But! If you want to find out what it's about, The Bookish Type has also done a post and they put up the synopsis. The book is scheduled to be released September 6, 2011 which isn't that far away considering how fast the year is going by. It's about to be March in a few hours.

I really like the cover it looks freaking epic. And I can't wait to have it side by side with Firelight!

I'll be putting out Monday's Novel Talk soon, either before or after dinner. I'll probably try to read a bit more before putting it up. So see you all soon!


Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Monday's Novel Talk (28)

I'm finally kind of back to posting regularly. My internet is going down and my dad is refusing to pay it for some odd reason. -__- Dear Merlin, I never catch a break.

Anyway, I have been reading a bit. At the moment I'm reading, The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis. I'm currently on page 117 of 257. When I read this before I stopped very early for some reason and never got back to it. So I'm finally reading something new and not re-reading anything. So far it's good although I do want to finish Narnia and go into other worlds. It's not that I'm tired of Narnia but I just have so many other books to read and I just want to read them. >.>

But all that's left after this one is The Last Battle and then I'll be able to read other things like;

Nightshade
Matched
Firelight
Dragon Rider
Crescendo

The books that are still stand-alone and that sequels will come out this year. After that I'll hit the series and trilogies I have right now. And then BAM! I'll get to buy more books. =D

So hopefully I'll read over 50 books this year. I'll try to post something soon again. But right now I'm watching Glee, and they're getting drunk. So it's all sorts of fun =D

Monday, February 21, 2011

Contest Winner of Book Thong

Hello guys! It feels like a Sunday for some odd reason. And it's such a crappy day. Just a few days ago it was 70 degrees and now there's snow outside. And just when I thought I got rid of all the snow it came back. =/

Anyway, today I get to announce the winner of the contest to win a Book Thong by J.R. Turner. I put everyone's name on a piece of paper and folded each and put it in my hat. And the person who won the book thong is.....

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Leonor! Congratulations Leonor! I'll be contacting the author with your email address and you two can work it out so you can get an awesome Book Thong =D

I want to thank J.R. Turner for allowing me to be on her blog tour and for doing an interview with me and giving away something to the readers. May you have much success in your future and may we meet again in a future blog tour =D

I'll see you all later as I work up the courage to post.

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Author Interview - J.R. Turner & Giveaway

Here we are again for another interview! I was approached by J.R. Turner to be in her Blog Tour for her new book which came out on Tuesday. I agreed because it was my first Blog Tour I was part of and it's awesome. For my stop, not only am I doing an author interview, but the author herself is giving away a book thong to one lucky commenter. So be sure to comment and add your email address for quick findings. So without further ado, the interview!



The Author

Who is J.R. Turner?
I'm a creative person who loves tradition and making other people smile. I try to maintain a positive attitude, though I don't always succeed. I'm not afraid of hard work, but I can definitely be lazy! My favorite food groups are chocolate and pastries :)

What sort of books do you like writing? Is there any genre your good at writing? Bad at writing?
I love anything with a lot of action and romance-add in paranormal elements and I'm a happy camper. If there's anything I don't do well, it's the very emotional, long drawn out character studies that are popular with literary writers.

Why is it that you write? Why not something else?
My life has been very exciting, and sometimes not always in a good way. There's nothing more thrilling for me than to kick major bad-guy butt. I find it hard to read books that do nothing other than explore the inner workings of a relationship. To me, that's really only half the story. The rest is how life (and larger than life) events challenge those relationships.

How would you react if someone wanted to create a film out of one of your works? What would you do?
I'd be totally stoked! Writing is such a visual experience it would be fabulous to see those imaged brought to life. If I could, I'd love to work with Jerry Bruckheimer, J.J. Abrams, or McG. Kevin Smith would be wonderful as well. He's got such a dynamite feel for dialogue.

How do you put these worlds into a story? Do you outline everything or go with the flow?
I definitely outline. I've tried writing instinctually, but my instincts generally get me painted into corners I can't get out of. I like to outline the series of events, then let the characters react organically-usually surprising me in the process.

The Novel

For those who don't know, can you tell us a bit about your series?
The Extreme Hauntings series began when my publisher and my eldest son wanted me to write something young adult. I didn't know at first if I could do this because I was used to doing high action. When I figured out I could arm my heroine with supernatural abilities, I got hooked right away.

What drew you to this particular story?
Ghost stories are really a favorite of mine, but there are so few exceptionally good ones out there-as compared to vampires and werewolves. Because I went with the souls of humans as the mainstay of each book, the series has unintentionally become more and more religious. Now I'm exploring a love triangle between the boy next door, the archangel Raphael, and Kaylee, my heroine.

Everyone knows that sometimes you lay at a crossroad in your story and either decision can affect your novel with a huge impact. What was one of the toughest crossroads you've reached?
I think in Detour 2 Death I had a moment where I could really work with Davey's character in one of two ways. He's Kaylee's best friend, but he's in a coma. I wanted to show his subconscious self as more primitive, very black and white in the way he views the world. This could have meant he was even more loving-but instead the story wanted to go into a more abusive situation. This led to the love triangle I mentioned earlier. I didn't intend for an archangel to be a love interest, but I went where the story took me.

This is the third novel in the series, for those who still haven't gotten it, what can we expect from it?
The great thing about Detour 2 Death is, like the others in the series, there are real consequences for Kaylee's actions. In the first book, DFF: Dead Friends Forever, she's arrested and found guilty of arson and grave robbing. In School's Out 4-Ever she's serving her sentence in the reformatory. In Detour 2 Death , she's re-arrested for "breaking out" to go see Davey. She also has to keep her promise. She made a deal with the Grim Reaper to give up her life in three days-bargaining for the time she'll need to save Davey. She's forced to keep that promise-but I won't say how! :)

Between the feuding shrink and priest, the angry mom and dad, the neighbors, the doctors, her supposed sympathetic coma, and the entity that possesses her body when she's spirit walking in the hospital, this is a fast-paced and exciting read.

What do you honestly think of your finished novel?
Ever time I finish a book I think it's the best thing I've ever written. This is probably because I've worked hard to always challenge myself to do something new and fresh, something I find difficult. In this book, I really had to deal with an anti-hero of sorts. It's not easy to make someone who is abusive a likable character and I think I did a pretty great job.

Future Novels

How many novels did you plan for Extreme Hauntings Series? Are you going to follow up on it?
Yes, there are three more books slated in the series. The next book will take place in a haunted summer camp, after that, a haunted hotel, and in the final book-a haunted mental hospital, where Kaylee's father practices "shrinkology."

Another of your novel Redemption is scheduled to be released May 15th. Can you tell us a bit about that?
Redemption is a fantastic urban fantasy. This is the first time I've written in first person (another challenge) and I'm extremely excited about this book. Nancy Holzner, the author of Deadtown and Hellforged (amazin books!) will be offering me a cover quote. Here's the blurb:

Half-angel Savannah Mantas smells the sulfuric stench of wrath when it enters her city, Iron Point. Resurrected by the archangel Michael, she's hunting for redemption and half-demon Nico Montenegro is her prey. He comes from the Fringes, the border between the city and the toxic wasteland beyond.

When they meet, Nico tells her a story, one of genocide and confiscated bodies. Not revenge, but justice is his purpose and his target is the most admired family in the world-Commander Hathaway and his daughter.

Hathaway's soldiers are slaughtering Fringers and secretly feeding them to Revenants, mutants who survived the bio-bombing of 2120. They have a twisted idea they can train these clever creatures like dogs and keep them out of the city long enough to mobilize an evacuation for the wealthy and well-connected.

Savannah knows better. Revenants are what killed her. When they attack, the last of humankind may be wiped out completely. Stopping Hathaway might just be enough to gain her redemption and escape a hellish fate.

Such a busy year, on October 1st you're expecting another novel called Racing the Moon. Can you tell us a bit about that one as well?
This is a horror novel inspired by Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park. I wanted to take werewolves in a different direction than we're used to seeing. The way Crichton made it about the science, manipulating the DNA discovered in the fossilized abdomen of the mosquito trapped in amber, I wanted to make the mutation into a werewolf about the science. As news continues to trickle in about the permafrost layers in Alaska melting, I thought this would provide the perfect scenario for the release of a virus-one I called the Lycan Virus in the book. Here's the blurb for that book:

A sickness has come to Alaska, targeting rural Inupiat villages. Dorian Kapadonis, head geneticist for the Epidemiology Intelligence Service is oging to find out why, if he makes it out of the Brooks Range alive. His niece, Amanda McCourt knew her first case at the EIS would be tough, but a missing uncle, entire families mutated by a mysterious illness, and a becoming prey for savage creatures was more than she expected.

Major Damon Wyatt, on his first undercover operation, finds his loyalty to the Defense Intelligence Agency tested when he uncovers the secret life of his superior. With the help of an Inupiat shaman and an expert biologist, he and the EIS will fight to find a cure for the Lycan virus and save those already mutated into the monster the world knows as werewolf.

Aside from Redemption, Racing the Moon and Extreme Hauntings Series, do you plan to do any other series, trilogies or stand-alone novels?

I have another romantic suspense novel, Still Life in Death that I'm finalizing now. Here is the blurb for this one:

Heather Sawyer is an aspiring artist on the cusp of finally making her mark in the industry. Dean Canton has come home to take over the family business, no matter how much his father tests him or how strong his competition. Sunset, Illinois has bigger problems however. A killer is on the loose and as the body count rises around them, Heather and Dean will have to face their painful history and learn to trust each other again if they want to survive.

I'm also working on a six-story series for middle grade readers at the moment. Delbert Dallas and the Dragon Diaries is aimed at the reluctant reader. This series is part of a pilot program launched by Echelon Press and Quake: Electric Shorts-Sparking Young Imaginations. Here's the series blurb:

Delbert Dallas turned twelve and got the coolest gift ever, an electric guitar. His father is a cartoon composer and his mom is an officer in the United States Army. His older brother Damien is a know-it-all who has to go first and his younger brother Dougie always gets his way. To escape them both, he'll learn to play his guitar like a rock star and free Barbecue Bob, the dragon, living inside.

Walter Wheeler is mad. Held back two grades, ignored at home, he wants to take over the world. When he gets a magical viola for his fourteenth birthday, he finds his own dragon, Firebrand, one he can ride to anywhere, and to any time. If he changes the past, he could change his future, but most of all, his present.

To unleash the dragons and travel through time they must play the exact right melodies. Only an immortal, a mage, a man called Matthew has the sheet music that will take them all on wild and dangerous adventures through time.

This is the last serious question I have for you. Any advice or last serious words for readers of your novels and aspiring authors?
Aspiring authors should be prepared to treat their career like a business. Gone are the days where the reclusive writer holes up in a turret writing tome after tome while the publisher and their team of experts take the book from rough draft to polished product and put it into the hands of the publisher. As we move closer and closer to books being sold by the download rather than by hardcover or paperback, expert use of the internet and social networking sites is a must for today's career author.

The Fun

Favorite novel and movie?
That's like asking me which of my children is my favorite! Ugh! Okay, as far as books go, I have to say I'm a big fan of The Stand by Stephen King. I'm also in love with Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell. My favorite Dean Koontz novel is Strangers and I'm particularly fond of Jenny Siler's Flashback. There are so many great books out there, though, it's hard to just name a few.

As far as movies go, I think I'm still love with True Romance. A long standing favorite of mine, I just get a big kick out of the characters. The actors are all so exceptional and this has a huge cast to choose from. Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Dennis Hopper, Gary Oldman, Samuel L. Jackson, Brad Pitt-gosh the list goes on and on.

Favorite food and drink?
Absolutely adore chocolate. I even have that painted on my kitchen wall ;) At the moment, I've developed an addiction to McDonald's Caramel Frappes. They are my treat for grocery shopping and running errands.

Favorite country?
I've never been outside the U.S. so this would be hard for me to answer. I think if I could visit anywhere, it would be Brazil. I'd love to see their Carnival. I even used the festival as a backdrop to the action in Silent Knight.

Favorite way to relax?
A glass of Amaretto and coke, a great movie, and something crafty in my lap-knitting, crochet, beading, or quilting are the most common.

And last but not least, what's an outrageous number of novels you wish you could write?
Lol! I would love to reach a thousand novels. Wouldn't that be something?

Thank you so very much for hosting me on my blog tour Mike! I've enjoyed these questions immensely! For your readers, I'd love to give away a beautiful, beaded book thong to one of those who leave a comment for me. I look forward to answering questions or simply responding to everyone!

Warmly,
Jenny:)

There you have it, an awesome interview! Don't forget to leave comments for her and enter for a chance to win that awesome beaded book thong. Just leave your email address in the comments down below.

And while you're still reading this, make sure you visit her website here for more information on her and her novels and like her facebook page here! Happy Reading Everyone! =D

Monday, February 14, 2011

Contest Winner of Laney!

Hello all! It's such a wonderful day! Outside it's perfect sweater only temperature, too bad its a bit windy at times. All of the snow is melting away and it smells like nature. Finally! Spring weather puts me in a good mood and in no time, the snow will be gone and I'll be very very happy!

So today I will announce the winner of who won the signed copy of The Brookehaven Vampires: Laney by Joann I. Martin Sowles.


A lot of people entered which made me happy! But only one person can win. I put all of your names in random.org and I got the winner.

The winner of the signed copy of the novel is...

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Jaz Parks! Congratulations to Jaz for winning! I will send you an email and you have until the 16th to reply or I'll have to choose another winner.

Thank you all for entering the contest and hope you guys stick around for more to come!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Apologies

I know I haven't posted this whole week. I know I haven't posted this whole week. I've been EXTREMELY busy and I fear that next week will be the same with the exception of Thursday.

The contest for Laney by Joann I. Martin Sowles ends tonight so if you haven't, check out this link http://thesubtlechronicler.blogspot.com/2011/02/win-signed-copy-of-laney.html

And on Thursday I'll be part of a blog tour and will be doing an author interview and such with someone. So stick around for that.

Thank you for not unfollowing me and for more people following me and hopefully after next week I'll be able to post again. Now I must get back to being busy and hopefully have time to do an IMM. =D

Sunday, February 6, 2011

In My Mailbox/Book Haul (10)

It's Sunday! My television is currently on Fox 5, waiting for the Superbowl! Haha just kidding, I'm waiting for the commercials and for Glee afterwards. Wooo! But seriously who are you rooting for?


Black & Yellow
or
Green & Yellow


I would tell you who I'm rooting for but my team is out so let the best team win. Plus this is a darn book blog! Talking about sports. -hides posts of World Cup-


Anyway! This week I got one book only from randombuzzers.com I won it on their weekly giveaways. Like I said before, I don't mind if I don't get books at all because I have around 50 books to read so I'm basically set.

In My Mailbox is hosted by Kristi over at The Story Siren and it's a way to show everyone what we got to read and introduce them to new stories. In no way is it to brag.


Other Words For Love

When an unexpected inheritance enables Ari to transfer to an elite Manhattan prep school, she makes a wealthy new friend, Leigh. Leigh introduces Ari to the glamorous side of New York-and to her gorgeous cousin, Blake. Ari doesn't think she stands a chance, but amazingly, Blake asks her out. As their romance heats up, they find themselves involved in an intense, consuming relationship. Ari's family worries that she is losing touch with the important things in life, like family, hard work, and planning for the future.
When misfortune befalls Blake's family, he pulls away, and Ari's world drains of color. As she struggles to get over the breakup, Ari must finally ask herself: were their feelings true love . . . or something else?


So it's not my type of story but we'll see how it is. It is an ARC copy although it came out in January. I just received it late which isn't horrible. If I don't like it, I'll probably give it out to you guys.


Anyway, I'm going to go read for a bit so that when the game starts, I can watch the commercials with full attention. Later!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Win A Signed Copy of Laney

The author of The Brookehaven Vampires: Laney has offered to give away a signed copy of her novel to one lucky winner. There's no special task to do, and you don't have to actually have known about the author of book. This is a way of introducing you to the series.


All you have to do is fill out this form with your name. After that you'll just have to click yes or no if you follow me (it won't matter if you do or do not follow I just want to see. Although I do encourage you to follow me =D) And then your home address or the address it will be shipped to. And your email address.

Now before you all start going, WHOA! I plan to do NOTHING with your address. Adding an address is only a way to let me see that no one is cheating by signing up twice and it's a fair game. Many people do address' in their contests and you might have had the experience of being safe. After the contest is over, the form will be deleted along with every address.

Now here's how it works. Contest starts today, February 04, 2011. You have until February 13, 2011 at 11:59 P.M. to sign up for the contest. On February 14, 2011, Valentine's Day or Single Awareness Day for some of us, the winner will be announced. I will send the winners email address to the author and she will then communicate with you where you can give her your address. If the winner doesn't respond in 48 hours, the runner-up will be chosen.

Again I do repeat that your home address will not be given out to anyone and is only a way for me to know that no one is entering twice.

So I wish you all good luck in winning this book! If you haven't check out there author interview and the book review. I wish you all luck in winning the book and go out and buy it!

Book Review: The Brookehaven Vampires: Laney

Title: The Brookehaven Vampires: Laney
Author: Joann I. Martin Sowles
Pages: 285
Rating: E for Exceeds Expectations
Review: So, everyone knows how I feel about vampires, right? Right? Well, in case you’re one of the few who don’t, let me remind you. When I was younger, I was terrified of vampires. I remember having a coloring book with a playful vampire in it and would freak out and had to rip the page up. My sister would scare me at night dressing as a vampire and I still remember the one movie I saw when I was about five. But then came along four books and a spin-off and they turned these scary and terrifying creatures into somewhat of a joke for me.

The only thing I had against vampires became something so vile, might I say, that I ended up with no weapon against them. My natural friend became a pansy enemy. Instead of melting them, it made them sparkle. Like glitter. Glitter-full vampires. It makes me sad. I mean, don’t get me wrong, there are certain shows I like watching and are my guilty pleasure. And I will go to the theaters to watch some killer vampire movies. But I sort of had this anti-vampire novel thing going on. The trend had to end!

So it was with very cautious steps that I began to read Laney. At first I kind of held it afar, I’m not really into the teenage romance with a vampire, the love of her life type of novel. I’m more of a deep story. But I gave it a chance. I’m glad I actually did.

Laney is about a girl named Delaney or Laney for short, who dorms in college with her best friend Kiera. Unlike certain female characters, this one is actually pretty fun. She’s very perky and outgoing, loves to have fun, and I think it’s safe to say a Cali girl. Right away I clicked not only with her but with everyone and everything in the environment. It’s very similar to where I live so it wasn’t hard getting into the characters shoes. Even if it is a girl. I just created my own shoes. Preferably, Nike’s. High tops.

Joann I. Martin Sowles, or Joann Sowles for short doesn’t waste any time getting to the point. We immediately meet this interesting, non-brooding, normal guy who goes by the name of Oliver Knight. He drives a black car, with tinted windows, wears sunglasses outside, and carries a stainless steel water bottle with him because he is “eco-friendly.” Instantly, Laney feels attracted to Oliver and one might think, “oh no,” but it’s quickly regaining itself when Laney explains how she has no reason to fall for this dude and can’t explain it. So like you, the reader, she is perplexed.

As the story progress’ we find out about the vampires and about their powers. How they drink actual human blood by owning a truck that goes around where people can donate their blood. They use the blood and take some to keep themselves sustained. How newer vampires have a phobia of the sun and think they will melt but, they just have very sensitive eyes and have to wear the sunglasses. How the reason they don’t like garlic is because they have better senses, so the smell is too strong. But what got me interested is that Joann Sowles doesn’t make them to be a different creature all together. She makes them as if they were an upgraded version of humans. They are humans just with different attributes. So you feel close to them and not afraid.

As with every vampire novel, there are good ones and bad ones. There are also in-between ones. Ones that we don’t really know their true alliance or there’s something more to them. The conflict basically revolves around one thing, revenge. The bad vampire wants revenge for what happened. And he will do anything to get it.

Joann Sowles certainly left her mark with this unique novel. She could have left it off with just the vampires but she continued by adding other mythical creatures, like werewolves who transform at the full moon, unicorns and even dragons, whose talons are used by Slayers. Oh yea, I said it, there are vampire Slayers.

All in all, Joann Sowles is an above-average writer. I only say this because I’m afraid of overusing the word awesome. Her writing style is simple yet rich, and her stories and characters are full. There were times where I didn’t like certain characters because they were too over-protecting, hint hint main vampire. But that was left behind as I finished the book and was left by a cliff-hanger that made me want to read more. I certainly can not wait for the sequel. Kudos to Joann Sowles, and let’s hope that she continues to master her writing.

Author Interview - Joann I. Martin Sowles

Time for another interview! It's a day late but I was working all day so it shall be up today. Now a few things before we get to the interview, after this, there shall be the post of the review and a giveaway for the book. I think it's good that they're all out on the same day. So yes, the author's name is Joann I Martin Sowles and she wrote a vampire novel called Laney which you shall find out about in the review. For now, the interview!


The Author

Who exactly is Joann I. Martin Sowles?
Wish I knew ;) LOL! I'm a mom, wife and writer (Pretty much in that order). I'm very close to my parents, I love my animals maybe a little too much and I home-school my two kids. So in short, I'm a bit crazed, covered in animal fur and mostly happy.

If you had a choice to writer about a lesser-known mythical creature (ie. Ogre, Imp, etc. etc) which would you choose and what kind of story would you create out of it?
Probably Mermaids. I had this great idea about them the other day but I'd need to put more thought into it.

Why did you choose writing? What told you, this is it?
I think it chose me. It was never something I'd planned to do...It just sort of happened.

What other authors do you enjoy reading and have any inspired you in a way you would have never thought?
Christopher Paolini's Eragon inspired the first story I ever started that I have yet to finish. After that, I've been inspired by many paranormal writers such as Charlaine Harris, Rachel Caine, Stephenie Meyer and JR Ward - just to name a few.

Do you base your characters and environments off of real people and places?
Yes and No. I've always pictured the town that Laney's story takes place in as Chico, California. As for the characters; there are elements of people I've known or know in some of my characters, including myself, but none of my characters are based on anyone specific.

The Novel

How did you come up with the idea for Laney?
Her story was stirring around in my head as I was desperately trying to find a good book with all the elements I wanted. Unable to find such a story, hers got stronger and eventually the complete story formed and she needed out.

Why did you make it Vampires with other Mythical Creatures? Why not a Werewolf story for example with Vampires in it?
I've always had a fascination with vampires. Werewolves have never been an attraction for me, I like them but I don't have a thing for them like I've always had for vampires.

Why did you add other Mythical Creatures into it instead of just keeping it a Vampire novel?
I think all mythical creatures go hand-in-hand. If you believe in one, you believe in all of them. I think that if there is a mythical world of creatures hiding from us out there, they'd probably all know about each other.

What do you honestly think of your finished novel?
That's a good one. *laughing* Honestly, I find the beginning a little hard to get through now that I've read it like a hundred times. But Laney and Oliver needed a beginning and I had to start somewhere. My favorite chapter is chapter 31 "Slayers". I live the scene with them in the bathroom. I get lost in it every time I read it. :) I love the book and not just because I wrote it. Every time I read it it gives me more and new ideas to go off of.

Are there any "deleted scenes" for Laney that didn't make it into the final cut? If so, could you tell us the idea for one?
I really don't believe so. There were a couple things I tweaked, but not so much that it lost anything. Because I self-published Laney I was able to keep it exactly the way I wrote it and I'm very pleased with the end result.

Future Novels

How many novels do you have planned for The Brookehaven Vampires? Do you think that maybe you'd write other books set in the same world as The Brookehaven Vampires but with different characters?
For Laney's story, at least 4-5. Once I am done telling her story I plan to write several other series within The Brookehaven Vampires series. Series 2's first book will be titled Nikki and will continue until her story is told and then I will move onto the next. At some point I plan to write Julz, Hayden and Oliver's stories as well as incorporating my first unfinished story to fit into the Brookehaven world.

Do you have any plans for other novels aside from your current world?
I do, but I imagine I will find a way to connect them somehow.

How exactly do you feel know that there are future novels of yours coming out?
Sometimes a little overwhelmed and excited, but it's still pretty new to me and somewhat surreal.

Now before we get rid of the serious stuff, any last words of advice you would like to say to readers and aspiring authors out there?
Don't give up and don't worry about what will happen when you've finished your story. Don't worry about what others will think of your work. Write for you and write what you want to read. Worry about the how's and why's once you've finished, otherwise you'll never get it done. Just know you can do it and you will.

The Fun

Top 5 Countries you'd like to visit?
The UK, New Zealand, Sweden, Romania & Italy (I could so go on- my list is very long) :)

Favorite food and drink together?
Chocolate Chip cookies and Milk ;)

Who would you cast as Laney and Oliver?
Probably Hayden Christensen as Oliver. I have no idea for Laney. My daughter, who is 9, says she's going to play Laney if it's ever turned into a film/TV show. ;) Not sure how I feel about that...

What's your favorite novel and movie? Aside from your own novel.
Movie: Serenity.
Novel: too many to choose just one.

Thanks for the great interview Michael. I really enjoyed it. I wish you the best at everything you do. I'd also like to invite everyone to my website www.brookehavenvampires.com to read the first 3 chapters of Laney.
Enjoy! ~Joann I. Martin Sowles

I would like to thank Joann for the interview and for those awesome words at the end. Be sure to stick around for the review and a chance to win a signed copy of Joann's novel Laney.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Tuesday's Novel Spotlight (20)

I know I didn't post this yesterday. And it's late today. I won't be doing today's post. I think I'm getting sick again so I'm rushing on this to go to bed. So I have this book on my bookcase and it is AWESOME to look at in person. And I just can't wait to read it.


Calla Tor has always known her destiny: After graduating from the Mountain School, she'll be the mate of sexy alpha wolf Ren Laroche and fight with him, side by side, ruling their pack and guarding sacred sites for the Keepers. But when she violates her masters' laws by saving a beautiful boy out for a hike, Calla begins to question her fate, her existence, and the very essence of the world she has known. By following her heart, she might lose everything--including her own life. Is forbidden love worth the ultimate sacrifice?

Have you guys read it? If so tell me what you thought about it, spoiler free, in the comments below.

Also! Tomorrow I'm putting up an Author Interview and Friday a review. I will then, on Friday also, put up a giveaway of the book that I'm reviewing by the author i'll be interviewing. So check it out and enter when it's up! I'll see you all tomorrow! =D

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Monday's Novel Talk (27)

Hello everyone! Yes, it's Tuesday and I just don't even feel like typing this. I don't know it's the weather. Supposed to be a snow storm -_-

Anyway let's see what I'm reading.

I'm currently reading The Chronicles of Narnia: The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis. I don't know if I mentioned this before but I have read the series already up to the 6th novel and then I just kind of quit. It was my freshman year and I was only into Harry Potter. But I do remember that this one was my least favorite and I don't remember much. As I'm reading it I do begin to remember certain things as I read. Hopefully I'll finish the series this time. I'm currently on page 37 of 241.

Anyway, the other day I saw The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader and let me just say that I loved it. I loved mostly the end when they showed Aslan's "Country". And I was kind of spoiled with the ending of the series so I know what his Country really is and what's there. So it was sad when a certain character went there at the end. And I loved how at the very end, Eustace's mother told him that Jill was there and we Narnia fans all know that Jill goes to Narnia with Eustace. They're also going to make The Chronicles of Narnia: The Silver Chair next and it's expected to be out in 2012. I can't wait. More people need to watch it since it is amazing!

Also last night I watched, It's Kind of a Funny Story and the whole time I was like this would be an amazing novel! And then when it was over I found out it was a novel and I was all like "I WANT IT!" I shall get it one day.

So yes, I have another post to put up and I have to gather up the courage to put it up. I also need to find a novel =P. I'll see you all later!
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